Tax Relief (Updated)

In April 2018, we were contacted by the HMRC Sector Compliance Manager for the Police sector updating us on how members should contact HMRC and explaining that HMRC had made improvements to simplify the process of claiming expenses, including professional subscriptions, through the digital channel.

Members can read about claiming tax relief, check for job expenses and check if they can claim before completing a claim form online.

Subscriptions to the SPF may be eligible back 4 years and in our case there are:

From April 2015 to March 2016 – £134.16
From April 2016 to March 2017 – £134.16
From April 2017 to March 2018 – £134.16
From April 2018 to March 2019 – £134.16

You will note that £134.16 is less than the amount you pay in members subscriptions £208.68 per annum. The reason for this is that £74.52 of that amount is paid to the Legal Advice and Assistance Scheme and does not attract tax relief.

IMPORTANT NOTE RE INSURANCE PAYMENTS: Some members have been advised that they can claim tax relief on elements of the Group Insurance Scheme – according to our tax accountants and insurance broker THIS IS NOT THE CASE.

Claims for tax relief can be made on 0300 200 3300, or through the link above.

If for any reason you require to write to HMRC, the new central address is:

Pay As You Earn and Self-Assessment
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1AS
United Kingdom

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Police Scotland is “struggling” to keep its buildings, vehicles and computer equipment functioning because of a lack of cash, MSPs have been told.

And senior figures from the force have warned that the condition of police stations and other parts of the estate could get worse unless additional resources were found.

David Page, deputy chief officer with Police Scotland, said that as it stood the force was effectively “putting band aids” on to try to deal with problems with buildings, vehicles and computer systems. He stated: “We’ve got to try to keep the fleet, estate and ICT working, which we are struggling to do.”

He spoke out at the same time as chief financial officer James Gray said the force had not yet received any indication as to whether it would get extra money for capital spending next year.

He said: “We do have a positive case around the benefits we can bring through getting our asset base, our buildings, our vehicles and our ICT into a fit-for-purpose state for policing in the 21st century. I think it is understood we do require additional capital funding, and we await the outcome of the budget to see if that reflects what we have said in hard cash.”

Their comments came after the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – which represents rank and file officers – said earlier this year that two police stations should be closed because of health and safety concerns.

Oban police station was described as “unfit for human habitation”, with mould and crumbling plasterwork, while the station at Lochgilphead had suffered a rat infestation.

“Police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, this unique circumstance should be recognised in the legal system and treated as an aggravation,” said SPF east are committee chair, Andrew Malcolm.

“Protective equipment needs to be reviewed and requires investment, Taser should be issued as standard.”

One of Police Scotland's top officers described his disgust at the "recklessness" displayed.

David Hamilton, from the Scottish Police Federation, Tweeted: "Absolutely appalled that yet another Police Officer has been injured by morons who think that the throwing of Pyrotechnics at Police Officers is in anyway acceptable.

"@ScotsPolFed continue to push for legislation that will protect officers and the public from these explosives."

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, said: "The majority of those who took part in the processions listened to us and complied with our instructions.

"I am, however, disgusted at the recklessness and stupidity of those who decided to throw pyrotechnics, one of which injured an officer.

"He was simply carrying out a duty which allows us to facilitate people's rights and ultimately we were here today to keep everybody safe."

Police said the officer was taken to hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.